Malawi uses a socialized system of health care, with the goal of providing access and basic health services to all Malawians. While efforts are made to distribute medicines to even the most promote health centers, antibiotics, pain relievers, and parasite remedies are in short supply. In addition, the hospitals are over-crowded and sometimes people must share beds or sleep on the floors. Sanitary problems abound at hospitals, and some practices appear unhealthy by western standards. A large patient base, limited staffing, and limited availability of medicine means that a visit to the health centre can take all day. The Malawi Ministry of Health and Population have provided basic health services to the people living in the remotest areas of the country. Poverty is the main cause behind the deterioration of the Malawi health care system. Malawi's Millennium goals number 4, 5 and 6 relate to improving the health care of its people but to what extent is government succeeding in improving the country's health system? Thengo Kavinya asked several people on their opinion:
Innocent Gondwe
Graphic designer
Yes. I think the government is really striving hard to improve health systems as witnessed in the improving of hospital infrastructures such as Queen Elizabeth Central hospital and Kamuzu Central hospital. This is important in that our hospitals will be able to accommodate more patients than was the case in the past that because of congestion diseases were easily spreading even to guardians.
Mike Mlowe
Student (Malawi College of Accountacy)
Yes, it's rare to find that there are no drugs in hospitals these days as compared to the last five years when we were being told to be buying drugs at a pharmacy. It's also rare to hear cases of drug thefts these days so I believe the government is striving really hard to attend to health issues in the country.
John Phangwe
Builder
No. In fact the health systems are still crumbling as witnessed to number of hospital staff which is fewer than the rising number of patients who are looking for attention. I think it would be wise for the government to be training more medical personnel because this shall help to serve lives which are lost due to lack of adequate care.
Alex Chilunda
Tailor
I don't think so. Why do we still hear that some other individuals receive treatment outside the country? I think it's high time the government had obtained equipment in order to attend to its people because not all of us can afford a ticket let alone accommodation if we are to be told that we should source treatment outside the country.
Isaac Phiri
Garden Boy
I would say the initiative is there but very slow. It seems there are still some people up there who would not to see quality care in our hospitals. I can say its high time government knew that there is shortage of staff in its hospitals, why can't it just train enough personell in its institutions so that this problem is solved once and for all?
Jacob Malunga
Mechanic
No. I don't see any change at all. Infact the attitude of medical personell is getting worse with time. To say the truth I would appreciate if there could be a way in which us patients could be addressing our grievances because we are insulted every time we go to hospitals, and sometimes when you are ill it feels bad to go there because of the experience we go through.
Alick Mbewe
Electrician
Yes. I think there have been strides as witnessed in the building of new infrastructure and also the inclusion of students to help in assisting patients has helped to lessen the time we were spending at the hospital. Am also grateful in that the students really give attention to a patient and I believe they attitude would continue this attitude even after they graduate.
Malizani Kabango
Health Official (MoH)
Yes. I can say the government is putting more initiative in the improvement of the health systems in the country as witnessed by the improvement of infrastructures in hospitals, purchasing of new medical equipment i.e the MRI system at Queens and the increase in intake of medical students. To my side I see improvement even though things can not change overnight.